Great Hall spruced up ahead of Stirling Royal Palace reopening

The outside walls of the Great Hall at Stirling Castle are being freshly limewashed so it looks in perfect condition for next spring’s reopening of the royal palace.

Historic Scotland expects the work to take around 12 weeks and it is being carried out in stages to minimise the areas of the hall which are covered at any one time.

Ticket prices have been cut until the end of Thursday, 8th July, as access through the two main doorways into the Great Hall is temporarily restricted while preparatory work takes place. A third, smaller entrance, remains open.

Limewashing needs to be carried out every few years to protect the harling of the hall from being damaged by the elements.

The work has to be carried in summer because the traditional limewash used by Historic Scotland takes time to dry and can be damaged by severe weather, particularly frost.

Lawrence Begg, Regional Works Manager, said: “The time had come to replace the old limewash and we also wanted to do it this year so the Great Hall looks at its very best when the refurbished royal palace reopens to visitors next Easter.

“We are carrying out the work in stages to limit the amount of the hall which has scaffolding up at any one time.

“Members of our works team also did some of the initial cleaning by abseiling down the walls in order to avoid having to put scaffolding up for that part of the operation.”

The limewash used by Historic Scotland is of the type and colour – often known as King’s Gold – which was traditionally used in the 16th century.

Ticket prices until Thursday will be £7.20 (down from £9) for adults, £5.40 (down from £7.20) for concessions and entry will be free for children under 16.

Most visitors can still get into the Great Hall during this time but only through a back entrance which is unsuitable for wheelchairs or buggies. Normal access will be restored on Friday.

For all the latest on the palace project, and everything else that happening at Stirling Castle, visit our website at www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk/ and sign up for our free e-newsletter.

Stirling Castle is at the top of Stirling Old Town off the M9 at junction 9 or 10. Call 01786 450000

Historic Scotland has 345 historic properties and sites in its care. These include some of the leading tourism attractions in the country, including Edinburgh, Stirling, and Urquhart Castles, Fort George, Linlithgow Palace, the Border Abbeys, and Skara Brae. For further details visit: www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/places

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Historic Scotland’s Mission is to safeguard Scotland’s historic environment and to promote its understanding and enjoyment.